Josh Goldstine, the marketing mastermind behind blockbusters like “Barbie” and numerous successful franchises, has officially joined Paramount Pictures as President of Global Marketing & Distribution. This pivotal appointment signals a strategic revitalization for the studio in the wake of its recent merger with Skydance, setting the stage for an aggressive push in global film promotion.
In a significant move for Hollywood’s evolving landscape, veteran marketing executive Josh Goldstine has officially begun his tenure as President, Global Marketing & Distribution at Paramount Pictures. Effective immediately, his appointment on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, marks a new chapter for the studio, particularly following its recent merger with Skydance. Goldstine will report directly to Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, who themselves assumed leadership roles after the completion of the merger.
A Legacy of Blockbuster Success: Goldstine’s Journey to Paramount
Goldstine arrives at Paramount with an impressive three-decade career, widely recognized for his strategic prowess and ability to orchestrate highly effective marketing campaigns for both established franchises and groundbreaking originals. His most recent role was President of Worldwide Marketing at Warner Bros., where he spent four years.
At Warner Bros., Goldstine famously spearheaded the “pink publicity machine” for “Barbie,” which became the studio’s highest-earning film ever, grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide. His tenure also saw him oversee promotional efforts for other commercial giants, including “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two,” “The Batman,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and “Wonka.” He, along with international distribution chief Andrew Cripps, exited Warner Bros. in January 2025 as part of a restructuring aimed at streamlining global theatrical efforts, as reported by AOL, citing Variety.
Prior to his impactful time at Warner Bros., Goldstine spent seven years at Universal Pictures. There, he was the driving force behind the marketing for major global franchises such as “Fast & Furious,” “Jurassic World,” “Despicable Me,” “Pitch Perfect,” and “Minions.” His portfolio at Universal also included successful campaigns for critically acclaimed films like “Straight Outta Compton,” “Get Out,” “Split,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” and “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Goldstine’s extensive career began with over two decades at Sony Pictures, where he rose to the position of President of Creative Advertising. During his lengthy tenure, he oversaw marketing campaigns for numerous blockbuster films, including Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, “The Social Network,” “Casino Royale,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Jerry Maguire,” “Men in Black,” and “Groundhog Day.”
His comprehensive experience across Hollywood’s major studios demonstrates a deep understanding of audience engagement and market positioning:
- Sony Pictures: 20 years, President of Creative Advertising (Spider-Man trilogy, The Social Network, Casino Royale)
- Universal Pictures: 7 years, (Fast & Furious, Despicable Me, Get Out, Jurassic World)
- Warner Bros.: 4 years, President of Worldwide Marketing (Barbie, Dune, The Batman, Wonka)
- Paramount Pictures: President, Global Marketing & Distribution (starting Oct 2025)
The Strategic Vision: Why Goldstine Matters Now
The appointment of Goldstine comes at a critical juncture for Paramount. In a note to staff, co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg emphasized Goldstine’s diverse skill set: “Over his career, Josh has led marketing for franchise cornerstones and breakout originals. He brings a sharp strategic lens to positioning, creative advertising, media, publicity, partnerships, analytics, strategy & research, creative content, and now, theatrical distribution.”
His hiring fills the void left by Marc Weinstock, who exited his role as marketing chief amid the executive shakeup surrounding the company’s recent merger with Skydance. This strategic move by the newly restructured Paramount Pictures, now operating under David Ellison’s influence post-merger, underscores the studio’s intent to revitalize its marketing and distribution efforts with a proven leader. Goldstine’s reputation for strong filmmaker and talent relationships further solidifies his value to the studio.
Navigating Hollywood’s Evolving Landscape: Past Challenges and Future Opportunities
While Goldstine’s career is marked by consistent success, it has not been without its challenges. In 2018, his sudden departure from Universal Pictures was linked to an investigation into misconduct claims. However, Goldstine later won a significant arbitration case against the studio, though the specific details of the ruling remain confidential. These past events, while part of his professional history, highlight the often turbulent nature of high-stakes executive positions in Hollywood, where marketing teams can sometimes bear the brunt of box office underperformance, as noted by industry observers when discussing his Warner Bros. departure in January 2025.
At Paramount, Goldstine will be tasked with exciting audiences for a diverse upcoming slate. This includes high-profile projects like Edgar Wright’s dystopian action thriller “The Running Man” and the animated “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” Looking ahead to 2026, he will oversee campaigns for highly anticipated fan-favorite franchises such as “Scream 7” and “Scary Movie 6.” His ability to connect with diverse audiences, from family-friendly animation to horror sequels, will be crucial for these releases.
What This Means for Film Fans
For fans of classic cinema and future blockbusters alike, Goldstine’s appointment is a promising development. His track record demonstrates an acute understanding of how to build and maintain excitement for film properties, whether they are fresh originals or beloved franchises. The immersive and highly effective marketing for “Barbie” serves as a prime example of his innovative approach to fan engagement and broad audience appeal. This expertise is particularly valuable for fan communities dedicated to series like “Scream” and “Scary Movie,” which thrive on targeted, creative promotion.
As Paramount Pictures navigates a competitive media landscape and a new corporate structure, Goldstine’s “sharp strategic lens” promises a revitalized approach to bringing films to audiences worldwide. His formal start on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as confirmed by outlets like Deadline reports, officially ushers in a new era for Paramount’s global marketing and distribution efforts, one that industry watchers and fans will be keenly observing.
